What makes a great cover (could be an entire Substack of its own, LOL) . . for me it's a version that's unique but still recognizable. Same melody, different arrangement or rhythm. Perhaps faster or slower than the original. The great Motown songs that the Rolling Stones recorded (Ain't Too Proud to Beg, Just My Imagination, Going to a Go-Go). The great blues songs that the Allman Brothers did (One Way Out, Trouble No More, Done Somebody Wrong, Statesboro Blues). Not to mention the entire careers of Linda Ronstadt, Joe Cocker and George Thorogood.
Covers that I love . . three come immediately to mind:
What makes a great cover (could be an entire Substack of its own, LOL) . . for me it's a version that's unique but still recognizable. Same melody, different arrangement or rhythm. Perhaps faster or slower than the original. The great Motown songs that the Rolling Stones recorded (Ain't Too Proud to Beg, Just My Imagination, Going to a Go-Go). The great blues songs that the Allman Brothers did (One Way Out, Trouble No More, Done Somebody Wrong, Statesboro Blues). Not to mention the entire careers of Linda Ronstadt, Joe Cocker and George Thorogood.
Covers that I love . . three come immediately to mind:
Leon Russell's version of Jumpin' Jack Flash (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fO7gLLqOF8)
Ray Charles's version of America the Beautiful (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZYH8v42a2w)
Jimi Hendrix's version of Like a Rolling Stone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAsSN8Qi82M)
It totally could be a substack of its own.
I like Tina Turner’s version ;)
Bee-yoo-tee-ful :) and melancholy.
Here’s a sweet song I found by a younger artist
https://youtu.be/4lTdklFdRRs?si=DQcTx5Gl1zFzVL2l
Sticking with the Canadian theme I love this unique version of Common People by William Shatner.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St8FtbzH_JE
I think a good cover song is when the artist puts there own unique take on the song that enhances it or gives it new life.
Love this one also
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAQ-37aCg_U
Common people - like the beat & tune (do I sound like somebody in American Bandstand:)